Make a new beginning

Dr Jesal Sheth suggests ways in which parents and teachers can prepare children to fight Covid-19 infection once they are back in school

The year 2021 brought a new hope of life to getting back to normal. The first step towards this was the launch of the vaccination drive and the announcement of schools slowly opening doors to children. However, as much as this news brings joy, it is important for parents and teachers to understand the dos and don’ts of managing Covid-19 infection amongst children. Weighing the risks and benefits of in-person schooling for children may mean different levels of social distancing based on a child’s age and developmental stage, which schools and parents must teach kids.

While we all know that there is still some time before the vaccine becomes available to children, parents, teachers and school authorities will need to be doubly careful as they ensure the safety of children in the company of their friends. Covid-19 infection among children is like any other viral illness. We need to understand that the virus reacts and creates leads to different responses in different children. Every child does not become sick, and every child does not need hospitalisation. Therefore, close monitoring at home is important.

Symptoms to watch out for

Many children develop symptoms of respiratory or gastrointestinal distress like fever, cough, cold, throat pain, severe body ache, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, and weakness.

If your child contracts the virus, take the following steps:

Develop a plan to protect the family and members of the household who are at risk of severe illness.

Make sure that your emergency contact information and school pickup and drop-off information is updated.

If that list includes anyone who is at risk of illness, consider adding an alternative contact.

Find out how your school will communicate with families when a positive case or exposure to someone with Covid-19 happens, and how they plan to maintain student privacy.

Monitor your kids regularly.

Home monitoring

Children should be monitored at home. Their temperature, pulse rate, oxygen levels and urine colour needs to be checked every 4-6 hrs. If the child is active between two fever episodes, taking enough oral liquids and passing clear urine, and if their blood O2 levels are more than 95%, then the child can be kept at home. Periodic tele-consultations with your paediatrician can help parents be more vigilant about warning signs. Speak to your doctor if:

The child has a persistent high-grade fever.

If there are breathing difficulties.

Finger pulse oximeter reads less than 95%.

If the child is dull and weak.

If there is dark coloured urine or less urine.

Irritability or confusion among kids.

If the child is sweating a lot and has unusual behaviour.

If the child has insufficient oral intake.

And if there are persistent bouts of vomiting and loose motions.

Such children should be immediately brought to a Covid-19 emergency room of your nearest hospital and should be physically assessed, and hospitalised if required.

Timely action taken by parents and teachers (if the child is in school) can help save the child’s life.

(The author is a senior consultant paediatrician.)